Online petition against move to chop 200 trees at Indiranagar

The campaign launched by Jhatkaa.org on Air Alert new online platform has by Thursday evening garnered 1,321 votes.

Residents of Indiranagar 1st block are protesting aginst the chopping of trees at the BDA Complex in Indiranagar ( Image: DC )

Bengaluru: Registering their protest against the chopping of nearly 200 trees for the remodelling of Indiranagar's BDA complex, citizens have started an online petition.

The campaign launched by Jhatkaa.org on Air Alert new online platform has by Thursday evening garnered 1,321 votes. The petition is addressed to K. Venkatesh, Chairman of Bangalore Development Authority.

BDA is planning to demolish the existing BDA complex and build new one at a cost of Rs 657 crore.

The petition explains why it is important for the citizens to register their protest by signing the petition, stating that the 30-year-old BDA complex premises has one of the last remaining tree-lined canopied stretches of the bustling Indiranagar.

It further explains how the BDA's plan of remodelling the old complex in itself is illegal, as it is just 75 metres away from Kadirenapalya Lake and 25 metres from a stormwater drain running near the complex. They also pointed out that no public consultation was held for this remodelling.

Pradeep B, one of the citizen who signed the petition commented that "Too obvious.. we need a liveable Bengaluru not a concrete jungle."

Geeta V said that they do not need shopping complexes in their neighbourhood, but wanted trees.

Among the trees which are to be axed include Peepal, Banyan, Orchid Tree, Coconut, Neem, Mango, Silver Oak, Champak, Java Plum, Cherry and other varieties.